Social distancing in Abingdon Market Place

A look at the social distancing markers in Abingdon's Market Place.

I've been documenting the Covid-19 social distancing signs I've seen during the coronavirus pandemic on my blog at the Ham & Egger Files as well as my Instagram.

The ones in Abingdon's Market Place are nice and clear. They also include the town crest which I think is a nice touch.

The Market Place is famous as the location for Bun Throwing and the starting point for the Michaelmas Fair. Both events normally see thousands of people pack in or pass through to be a part of the occasions.

The last time I was in the Market Place it was being used as a Christmas tree drop off and chipping point. This time I saw the star being put on the top of the tree.

No Umbrellas

One of the fun things about the mass scramble of a bun throwing event is seeing the different tactics people employ in an effort to catch or retrieve a bun.

As a traditionalist I opt for the open handed catch. However, quite a few people use the upturned umbrella approach. Something that was outlawed at the last event!

A new rule

The last Abingdon bun throwing took place in November 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. The weather wasn't too great at all and the umbrellas people brought along were actually used to keep the rain off them rather than to catch buns in.

I've never gone in for the umbrella catching tactic as I've seen more buns bounce, slip and slide out of upturned brollies than stay in

Social distancing from a Bun Throwing sign in 2018. Yellow and black warning signs have become commonplace in 2020